What is eWIC?

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires all states to distribute WIC benefits using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) by October 1, 2020. Missouri WIC is in the process of converting from a paper check system to EBT, which will be called eWIC. Missouri plans to pilot the eWIC program in nine counties, and anticipates statewide implementation will be completed in 2019.

How Does eWIC Work?

Participants will access WIC food benefits using a smart card. A smart card is a plastic card with a microchip that contains the monthly benefits for the household. This will eliminate the requirement of purchasing all items on a check at one time, and having multiple checks for multiple household members. It will also decrease the check-out process in stores.